Participation & advocacy for looked-after children

Information for Looked after Children - This website gives you information about where you are living, keeping in touch with important people, how you can have your say, meetings, your health and your rights.
This isn’t a replacement for talking to people like your carers or social workers but it might help with some questions that you have.

The participation team deliver a number of services to support young people in care.

An advocacy service, for looked-after children and young people in Northumberland, is an independent service through Action for Children. Action for Children also arrange independent visitors - to request an advocate or independent visitor contact 01670 623980

Voices Making Choices - Northumberland’s Children in Care Council - and other groups encourage young people to get involved and have their views heard.

These groups meet regularly to discuss issues, learn new skills, meet senior managers and councillors, highlight good practice, make new friends and take part in fun activities. VMC members help plan and present the Celebrating Achievement event, which helps celebrates the achievements of looked-after children in Northumberland.

Mind of My Ownis an award-winning app to help young people express their views more clearly, get involved in meetings and make better decisions with their social care team. For young people, it’s like having an advocate in your pocket.

The participation team also provide training and support to help looked-after children take part in projects to help improve services.

National Citizens Service Northumberland National Citizen Service (NCS) is a once–in-a- lifetime opportunity open to 16-17 year olds across England. It is a unique four week full-time programme focused around fun and discovery, plus 30 hours committed to a community project that benefits both young people and society.

On this government backed programme, participants build skills for work and life, while taking on new challenges and adventures, making new friends, and contributing to their community.
For more information on NCS and how to sign up, visit our pages here.

Our Promise- Northumberland County Council has made some promises to all looked after children and young people. This is called ‘Our Promise’ and it sets out the help and support all looked after children will get, and what they should expect.

‘Our Promise’ has been put together by talking to young people, listening to their views and experience of services.